Bond market open for restaurants

NEW YORKA trio of restaurant companies has tapped into the bond market recently to shore up funds to repay existing debt and to finance growth.

With capital in demand, but tough to acquire, the note offerings from Wendy's/Arby's Group, Real Mex Restaurants and El Pollo Loco have provided a sliver of hope that the financing freeze may be thawing, and investors may be warming to restaurant deals. In addition, Wendy's/Arby's closing of $551 million in